Skullcandy’s Ecobuds offer a blend of sustainability and sound quality that’s been a rising trend in the true wireless space. We have brands like Sony, Apple, and the like, joining the race towards making their products more and more sustainable. These earbuds strike a fine balance between environmental responsibility and audio performance. While they might not be “best-in-class” in terms of raw audio quality or feature set, they offer a commendable alternative for users who care about sustainability without entirely compromising sound and functionality. For most, they’ll be a satisfying, eco-friendly choice in the wireless audio market.
The sound quality, while bass-heavy, is enjoyable for most music genres and well-suited for casual listening. However, audiophiles or those seeking highly detailed, crisp audio might find these earbuds a bit lacking, especially in the treble range. Battery life, durability, and essential features like Tile integration make them a practical choice for everyday use, even if they’re missing some modern conveniences like wireless charging and ANC.
Skullcandy Ecobuds stand out in the competitive world of true wireless earbuds, mainly for their environmental angle. Using 100 per cent recycled plastics in both the earbuds and case, Skullcandy positions the Ecobuds as a sustainable choice for users. But do they live up to the performance standards of the best in their class, or is the eco-friendly appeal just a cover for lacklustre quality? Let’s dive into their design, performance, sound quality, and value proposition to see if they deserve a spot in your audio lineup.
Skullcandy EcoBuds carry a unique, environment-friendly design
Right from the first look, the Skullcandy Ecobuds emphasise their commitment to sustainability. Crafted from recycled materials, they don’t exactly pop with bold visuals or cutting-edge aesthetics, but their understated matte finish and compact design do have a subtle charm. The build feels solid enough, though there’s a noticeable lightness to them, likely due to the use of lightweight materials. They’re comfortable to wear, sitting securely in the ear without putting much pressure. However, unlike some sportier options in this range, they lack ear wings, which can make them feel less stable during vigorous activity.
The Ecobuds carry an IPX4 rating, meaning they’re somewhat resistant to dust and water but far from indestructible. They’ll withstand light rain or sweaty gym sessions, but they might not be the best choice for extreme outdoor conditions. For most users who are environmentally conscious and don’t expect heavy-duty performance, this durability level should be sufficient.
Features: They are a few, but well-implemented
Skullcandy has taken a no-nonsense approach to features here, offering what most users need without any frills. The Ecobuds notably lack active noise cancellation, which has become almost a given at this price point. While the lack of ANC is a bit disappointing, the snug fit does create a reasonable level of passive noise isolation that will suffice for moderate ambient noise. Those looking to block out loud environments, however, might want to consider other options.
A unique selling point here is the Tile integration, allowing users to track their earbuds using the Tile app if they go missing. It’s a genuinely helpful feature, especially for those who tend to misplace small items frequently. The touch controls on the Ecobuds are straightforward and responsive for basic operations like play/pause, volume adjustment, and answering calls, though there are no customisation options for users seeking a tailored experience.
Another one of the biggest highlights of these earbuds is that you can charge them directly from your phone. The built-in USB-C cable is a nifty addition for those who are running out of charge on the go or forgetting their cables back home all the time. The Ecobuds come with Bluetooth 5.2, which provides a stable connection and fast pairing. Within a typical 10-meter range, the connection holds well, with minimal dropouts. They support mono mode, so you can use one earbud independently, which is helpful for calls or ambient listening.
That said, the Ecobuds only support the standard SBC codec, which is a limitation compared to competitors offering aptX or AAC. Most casual listeners won’t notice much difference, but for those who prioritise higher sound quality, particularly when streaming high-res music, this codec limitation might be noticeable.
Skullcandy EcoBuds have a bass-forward sound
Skullcandy is known for its bass-forward sound signature, and the Ecobuds follow this tradition.
These earbuds deliver a warm sound profile that puts emphasis on low frequencies while keeping the mids and highs reasonably clear. Let’s break down each frequency range:
- Low Frequencies (Bass): The bass here is punchy and well-defined, with a strong sub-bass presence (from around 60 Hz to 100 Hz). For bass-heavy genres like hip-hop or EDM, this tuning offers an engaging, full-bodied listening experience. The bass is elevated, but it doesn’t completely overpower other frequencies, which is a delicate balance that Skullcandy has managed well here. Overall, it’s a satisfying bass performance for casual listeners, although purists might find it a bit too forward.
- Mid Frequencies (Mids): The midrange is clear but slightly recessed, making vocals and instruments sound a bit laid-back in the overall mix. Frequencies from around 1 kHz to 3 kHz receive a noticeable boost, allowing vocals to cut through without sounding sharp or fatiguing. This works well for genres like pop and rock, where vocals take centre stage. While the mids don’t offer studio-grade detail, they are pleasant and smooth, catering well to general listeners.
- High Frequencies (Treble): The treble response, unfortunately, is where the Ecobuds fall short. Starting around 6 kHz, there’s a dip that leads to a slightly rolled-off top end. While this prevents harshness and sibilance, it also means the high frequencies lack sparkle and airiness. Complex instrumentals and higher-pitched details are softened, which can be disappointing for those who enjoy intricate highs. Audiophiles may find this treble tuning too relaxed, but it’s unlikely to bother the average listener.
To sum it up, the Ecobuds are designed with a warm, accessible sound profile. They’re ideal for bass lovers who want a full-bodied sound without excessive sharpness in the upper frequencies. They lack the precision that audiophiles might seek, but for everyday listeners, the sound quality is enjoyable. The microphone quality is passable, performing well in quiet environments, but struggles in noisy settings, especially when compared to earbuds with better noise-cancelling mics.
Battery Life
Skullcandy promises up to 8 hours of battery life on a single charge, with around four more charges left in the case. In my testing, this came up to around 7.5 hours of batter with volume set to 50 per cent. While this is adequate for casual use, it’s not groundbreaking. If you need a quick top-up, you can use the USB-C cable to charge them up with your phone. Unfortunately, the Ecobuds lack wireless charging, a feature that’s increasingly common in mid-range models. For many, this might not be a deal-breaker, but it’s something to note if wireless convenience is a priority.
Should you buy the Skullcandy EcoBuds?
Skullcandy’s Ecobuds offer a blend of sustainability and sound quality that’s been a rising trend in the true wireless space. We have brands like Sony, Apple, and the like, joining the race towards making their products more and more sustainable. These earbuds strike a fine balance between environmental responsibility and audio performance. While they might not be “best-in-class” in terms of raw audio quality or feature set, they offer a commendable alternative for users who care about sustainability without entirely compromising sound and functionality. For most, they’ll be a satisfying, eco-friendly choice in the wireless audio market.
The sound quality, while bass-heavy, is enjoyable for most music genres and well-suited for casual listening. However, audiophiles or those seeking highly detailed, crisp audio might find these earbuds a bit lacking, especially in the treble range. Battery life, durability, and essential features like Tile integration make them a practical choice for everyday use, even if they’re missing some modern conveniences like wireless charging and ANC.
Skullcandy EcoBuds Key Specs, Price and Launch Date
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Satvik Pandey
Satvik Pandey, is a self-professed Steve Jobs (not Apple) fanboy, a science & tech writer, and a sports addict. At Digit, he works as a Deputy Features Editor, and manages the daily functioning of the magazine. He also reviews audio-products (speakers, headphones, soundbars, etc.), smartwatches, projectors, and everything else that he can get his hands on. A media and communications graduate, Satvik is also an avid shutterbug, and when he's not working or gaming, he can be found fiddling with any camera he can get his hands on and helping produce videos – which means he spends an awful amount of time in our studio. His game of choice is Counter-Strike, and he's still attempting to turn pro. He can talk your ear off about the game, and we'd strongly advise you to steer clear of the topic unless you too are a CS junkie. View Full Profile
